The Armchair Traveller

Some of the best short breaks for 2025 A short break is the perfect way to start the new year, whether it is to discover a new city, enjoy some winter sunshine or to see the latest exhibition. Here are some of the best short break ideas for the coming months, courtesy of our friends at Kirker Holidays. Heritage, Bruges With charming, cobbled street, mediaeval architecture, palaces and stone bridges over hidden canals, Bruges is a favourite destination for a short break. Located 100 metres from the Market Square, Hotel Heritage is a boutique hotel with just 22 bedrooms, a coy lounge and breakfast room, all decorated in a traditional style with original antiques and paintings. Offer: • 4 nights for the price of 3 for Sunday and Monday arrivals until 4th April 2025 • Price from £987 per person, saving up to £142 • Includes a 72 hour museum pass for entrance to key museums and galleries such as the Groening Museum Aria, Prague This wonderful boutique hotel is located in the city’s atmospheric Mala Strana district. It overlooks the beautiful Vrtbovska Gardens and is just two minutes’ walk from Charles Bridge. Music resonates throughout the hotel with each floor themes to either classical, jazz or contemporary music and each room dedicated to a particular artist or composer. Offer: • 4 nights for the price of 3 ½ until 17th April 2025 • Price from £969 per person, saving up to £65 • Includes a 3 hour private walking tour of Prague Metropole, Venice The lead up to Venice’s annual Carnival is an atmospheric time to visit, as traditional mask workshops bustle with people preparing their costumes. Just a few minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace is the Metropole, a famous and atmospheric hotel with 74 individually furnished bedrooms with over 2,000 antiques. Offer: • 3 nights for the price of 2 until 20th February 2025 • Price from £1098 per person, saving up to £212 • Includes guaranteed entrance ticket to the Doge’s Palace, Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Hotel de Rome, Berlin With an ever changing variety of exhibitions and musical performances, there is always a reason to return to the vibrant German capital. Located in the heart of historic East Berlin, Hotel de Rome is a Greenstar and Kirker favourite in Berlin. The 145 stylish bedrooms are all extremely comfortable and have the latest high-tech amenities. The refined Italian restaurant, Chiaro, is a treat. Offer: • 3 nights for the price of 2 for stays including a Sunday night until 30th April 2025 • Price from £998 per person, saving up to £190 • Includes a Berlin Museum pass Grand Bretagne, Athens Athens is a vibrant city, both ancient and modern, with an enviable winter climate. First opened in 1872, the Grand Bretagne has retained the style and grandeur of its heyday and the 320 rooms are all beautifully furnished with original artwork and antique furniture. Lunch and dinner and served in the ‘Winter Garden’ restaurant and spectacular views can be enjoyed from the rooftop restaurant. Offer: • 4 nights for the price of 3 until 30th April 2025 • Price from £1297 per person, saving up to £220 • Includes entrance tickets to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum Esprit St Germain, Paris Whenever you visit Paris, a stay at the Esprit Saint Germain is highly recommended. An intimate hotel on the Left Bank, the Esprit has the atmosphere of a stylish private residence. Just 28 rooms are all decorated in contemporary style. The Library Lounge is the perfect place to relax after a busy day or to enjoy an aperitif in the evening from the open bar. Offer: • 4 nights for the price of 3 for stays including a Sunday night from 1st to 31st March 2025 • Price from £1158 per person, saving up to £250 • Includes a two day Paris Museum pass Jardins de la Medina, Marrakech Marrakech offers an intoxicating combination of warm winter sunshine, atmospheric souks and delicious Moroccan cuisine. This charming 36 room hotel has a restaurant and a bar overlooking delightful gardens and a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. Enjoy views over the medina from the roof terraces, a fitness centre and hammam. Offer: • 5 nights for the price of 4 until 7th February 2025 • Price from £959 per person, saving up to £105 • Includes a private walking tour with an expert local guide Commercianti, Bologna Housed in an 11th century building, the Commercianti is located in the historic centre of one of Italy’s most charming cities, the gastronomic heart of Emilia-Romagna. Bologna is as notable for its art, history and ancient university as it is for its exceptional cuisine and at this time of year, it’s a fabulous short break destination with few tourists. Offer: • 4 nights for the price of 3 all year (2025) • Price from £798 per person, saving up to £130 • Includes entrance to museums and monuments including the two towers Lapa Palace, Lisbon Located between the Bairro Alto and Belem districts, the Lapa Palace is set in beautiful landscaped gardens which slope past the large outdoor heated swimming pool towards the River Tagus below. The gardens are the perfect place to relax after a morning of sightseeing in the city and the gastronomic restaurant serves classic Portuguese and Mediterranean dishes in elegant surroundings. Offer: • 4 nights for the price of 3 until 28th February 2025 • Price from £1086 per person, saving up to £222 • Includes a 48h ‘Lisboa Card’ providing entrance to most museums and free use of the trams La Pérouse, Nice The Côte d’Azur has long been famed for its unique microclimate which made the destination the winter retreat of choice for artists, writers and the international set for more than a century. Nice is still the perfect destination for a short break in early spring and the attractive La Pérouse with its lovely bar and wonderful views of the town and the Baie des Anges is a favourite place to stay. Offer: • 3 nights for the price of 2 until 30th March 2025 • Price from £698 per person, saving up to £140 • Includes a Nice Museum Pass providing entrance to the Musée Matisse Leo Grand, Vienna Vienna is at its best in the winter months with its exceptional museums and galleries, a full programme of opera, concerts and ballet as well as the famous cafes for a restorative kaffee & kuchen. The new boutique Leo Grand is perfectly located in the centre of the old town with 76 light, modern rooms, a breakfast restaurant and bar. Offer: • 4 nights for the price of 3 until 30th April 2025 • Price from £997 per person, saving up to £180 • Includes entrance to the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Leopold Telegraaf, Tallinn Tallin is a wonderfully atmospheric destination for a winter break, offering mediaeval architecture and a thriving culinary scene. The hotel is a 19th century former post office in the heart of the old town with 83 bedrooms decorated in classical style with a hint of the contemporary. The hotel restaurant serves fine food and the relaxing spa includes an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam bath. Offer: • 4 nights for the price of 3 all year (2025) • Price from £769 per person, saving up to £170 All offers include: • Return flights from your preferred airport (Eurostar for Paris and Bruges) • Return transfers (excluding Bruges) • Accommodation with breakfast based on two people sharing • Kirker Guide notes to restaurants and sightseeing • Kirker concierge services We always love to hear from you so do pop in or get in touch to chat through your next holiday plans.

Jennie and her husband whisked themselves away for a pre-Christmas weekend in New York. Here's how they got on: New York in December is magical! The decorations are something else and you feel like you’ve just stepped on to a film set. Be prepared for it to be very busy and wear comfy shoes - we walked on average 10 miles each day. Walking where you can is a must as there is just so much to see. Remember to look up - the skyscraper’s are breathtaking. We stayed at the Kixby : a lovely 4 star boutique hotel superbly located in Herald Square in the heart of midtown, just steps away from Macy’s. The hotel has a great rooftop bar with an amazing view of the Empire State Building. There are only 195 rooms, the rooms are spacious for New York and the hotel staff were so helpful and friendly. A highlight of our trip included afternoon tea at the iconic Plaza which was beautifully decorated for Christmas. We visited the world famous Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City during our stay and made sure we headed to the Rockefeller Center early to see the magnificent Christmas tree and avoided the crowds. We took the subway to Brooklyn to see the famous DUMBO view - DUMBO is short for 'Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass', located on the East River between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. We then headed to Pebble Beach and walked back over Brooklyn Bridge to the financial district. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum was a sombre yet interesting visit and we are glad we could spend time there and pay our respects. We enjoyed a walk around Central Park too and a visit to Strawberry Fields , John Lennon’s memorial. We also made sure we caught the Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. A visit to the top of the Empire State Building at sunset for the amazing views of Manhattan was an additional highlight. We certainly packed it in! We enjoyed some great food at a couple of local diners - the food was amazing and great value with renowned huge portions. We had a lovely dinner at PJ Clarke’s , famously one of Frank Sinatra’s favourite New York restaurants. We certainly packed it in! I'd love to tell you more about my trip and help you plan yours so do get in touch .

I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Turkey at the end of November, staying at a couple of the Barut Hotels. We flew with Easyjet into Antalya and transferred to the Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection in historical Side. We were welcomed by clear blue skies and a pleasant temperature of 20 degrees. The Acanthus Cennet sits on a Blue Flag Mediterranean Beach. On arrival we were checked in with the minimum of fuss. I was lucky enough to have a suite with side sea view however the lead in superior side sea view rooms are clean in design, modern and spacious. The concept at several of the Barut Hotels is Ultra all-inclusive: it was mid-afternoon when we arrived, I had been up early and missed lunch so I popped down to the Patisserie just off the hotel’s lobby. A selection of wonderful Turkish treats and cakes welcomed me as well as plenty of choice of different teas and coffees. Even Prosecco was on offer. A quick walk around the hotel followed. We saw the lovely large outdoor pool, the wide sandy beach and the indoor pool and spa. Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection is an adult focused hotel however children currently are welcome. That evening, we dined in the hotel buffet restaurant which offered a large variety of hot and cold dishes. We took a short drive into Side the next day to see the sites and wander down to the harbour. Next to the Old Town, there is a well preserved Roman theatre that once hosted 15,000 spectators. It is one of the largest in Anatolia. A little further on is the Temple of Apollo and Athena. These are iconic ruins that offer a stunning sunset view if you time it right. On our walk back to the edge of the old town, we past many shops offering a variety of items including leather goods, jewellery and souvenirs. After 2 nights at Acanthus Cennet we moved on to the luxurious resort of Lara, just east of Antalya on the Turkish Riviera. The beach here stretches for several kilometres and is one of the largest in Turkey. Yet another fine beach for sun bathing, swimming and beach sports. We stayed at the Lara Barut Collection, a great hotel for families with children of all ages. There are many activities here which are all included in the Ultra all-inclusive concept: tennis courts, padel courts, a fully equipped gym and running track are all on offer as well as beach volleyball. For those looking for a slower pace, there are many sun beds across the property as well as a beach club for coffee, food and sundowners. The hotel facilities are exceptional and children from tots to teens will love the kids and teens clubs club which includes a variety of games to keep them entertained. The Bary Star Baby Concept is a Godsend for parents with young children: travel light and simply arrive at the hotel with everything you need for your young child (aged 0 to 3) waiting in your room. I can really recommend this hotel for families and couples alike. There is a wide range of room types and once again it offers the ultra all-inclusive concept. Lara is only a 20 minute drive from Antalya Airport and Side just 45 minutes. Barut Hotels are well worth considering for your next trip. Do pop in and see us in Claygate or get in touch to find out more. Martyn Fisher December 2024

Hemingways Collection represents a distinctive portfolio of luxury boutique hotels, residences and camps in Kenya. The four iconic properties – Hemingways Nairobi, Hemingways Ol Seki Mara, Hemingways Watamu and Hemingways Eden Residence – are built on decades of experience in hospitality. Relax in their spas, indulge in their cuisine, enjoy the very best of Kenyan hospitality and service and ultimately explore the quintessential experience of Africa. This fabulous itinerary takes in 3 of the Hemingways properties, all perfectly tailored by Africa by Lusso . Day One Fly from London Heathrow to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi with British Airways Transfer to Hemingways Nairobi by private vehicle Stay at Hemingways Nairobi in a Deluxe Room for 2 nights Hemingways Nairobi is a plantation-style luxury boutique hotel, set in the leafy and secluded suburb of Karen in Nairobi. Hemingways' colonial-style buildings are spread amongst 10 acres of manicured gardens. Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, the hotel exudes a tranquil atmosphere and offers classic interiors with contemporary touches. Each spacious suite is decorated in the muted tones of the African savannah and features four-poster beds, ensuite marble bathrooms and large private terraces or balconies overlooking the Ngong Hills. The hotel enjoys a large outdoor pool lined with sun loungers, a spa, steam room and sauna as well as a small gym. The hotel also offers tours of nearby attractions including Karen Blixen's former home, the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage and Nairobi National Park. During the evening enjoy international cuisine at the informal Brasserie which serves some of the best steaks in Kenya. The bar is the perfect for a signature cocktail or digestif. Day Three Transfer to Nairobi Wilson Airport by private vehicle Fly to Hemingways Ol Seki Mara by light aircraft Stay at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara in a Nina Tent for 4 nights Hemingways Ol Seki Mara is a stunning tented camp offering an incredibly private safari experience. The camp is located on a rocky ridge in the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy. Experience warm Kenyan hospitality whilst staying in one of ten spacious circular tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, patio and views of the surrounding wilderness. The smaller Nina Tents are ideal for couples while the larger Simba and Chui Tents are designed for families or groups of friends. They feature two en-suite bedrooms plus a private kitchen, lounge and dining area. Meals can be eaten in private or in the main dining tent with other guests. Romantic candlelit meals can also be arranged in a private location within the camp. Much of your time will be spent exploring the conservancy on shared game drives with experienced guides. Known for its lion prides, the conservancy sees far fewer vehicles than the main reserve, ensuring a more exclusive safari experience. Other activities include walking safaris, Maasai village visits, dawn hot-air balloon rides and horseriding safaris. Day Seven Fly to Nairobi Wilson Airport by light aircraft Fly to Malindi Airport by light aircraft Transfer to Hemingways Watamu by private vehicle Stay at Hemingways Watamu in a Deluxe Ocean View Room for 5 nights Located on one of Kenya’s finest beaches in the pristine Watamu Marine National Park, Hemigways Watamu has been a coastal institution since the 1960s. Expect to be treated to warm, personal service. Bright, airy rooms, including newly renovated Deluxe Ocean View Rooms and Ocean View Rooms, offer a coastal-chic feel with private balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean. If you are seeking added space and privacy, the Residences feature one to four bedrooms plus a kitchen, living area and wonderful open terraces. Delight in dishes to suit every taste with freshly prepared breakfasts, alfresco lunches and candlelit evening meals perfectly executed by the hotel’s chefs. Sit back with a tropical cocktail in the much-loved Hemingways Bar, right on the seafront. There's plenty to keep you busy too; world-class deep-sea fishing, humpback whale-watching from June to September, scuba diving, snorkelling and kite surfing. If that's a bit much then retreat for some 'me time' at the spa where a team of therapists are on hand to relax and restore you. Day Twelve Transfer to Malindi Airport by private vehicle Fly to Nairobi Wilson Airport by light aircraft Transfer from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Fly to London Heathrow with British Airways To chat about your next adventure to Africa, pop in and see us or get in touch .

With the help of our friends at Audley we have put together this helpful guide on how to choose your African safari. South Africa South Africa’s vast national parks and private reserves support animals in huge numbers. Here, more than anywhere else, you are likely to encounter all of the Big Five on wildlife drives. Limited vehicle numbers ensure you have the best views. Botswana, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania You will still spot most of the Big Five species in these destinations plus they boast some of the best wildlife densities in the world. Local guides can show you tell-tale signs to look out for on wildlife drives and bush walks. Rwanda and Uganda Rwanda and Uganda are two of the only places on Earth you can see mountain gorillas in the wild, both offer similarly intimate experiences so which destination you chose might depend on how luxurious you would like your trip to be. You may also wish to add time in Uganda’s safari areas. Tanzania The forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains in Western Tanzania provide a habitat for six primate species including habituated chimps which you can spot on guided treks. Head to the rainforests of Rubondo Island to help track and observe chimps for vital conservation research. For most of the year, Tanzania’s Serengeti hosts the mass migration of two million wildebeest and other plains animals which follow the rains in a huge clockwise loop. See them with their calves on the southern plains or witness them cross the Mara River into Kenya. Kenya The herds reach the Masai Mara from July and generally stay until October. As they pass into the country from Tanzania they cross the Mara River – no easy feat as crocodiles and other predators lie in wait. River crossings are hard to predict but expert guides can offer the best chance of seeing one. Namibia Quad biking, sandboarding or sunset horse rides amongst scorched orange dunes; kayaking amongst a colony of Cape fur seals; hiking into the world’s second largest canyon: Namibia offers plenty to experience in addition to a safari to help you appreciate its mix of landscapes. Safari and Beach Extending your trip with a beach stay gives you a chance to unwind after a fast paced safari. East African destinations combine particularly well with Zanzibar’s dazzling sands and snorkelling spots or Kenya’s palm-fringed coastline. Safari and Victoria Falls Victoria Falls is within easy reach of a safari in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. Experience ‘the smoke that thunders’ from sunset river cruises to a sumptuous dinner aboard a vintage steam train. To chat about your next safari, pop in and see us in Claygate or get in touch.

Jennie ventured across to Fuerteventura for her holiday this summer and stayed at the Barcelo Corralejo Bay. Here is how she got on. The Barcelo Corralejo Bay – what a fabulous hotel! The hotel is in an excellent location, minutes from the bustling town centre in one direction and the beach in the other. The Barcelo Corralejo Bay is an adult only hotel, ideal for a tranquil family holiday. The hotel has two pools, one of which is heated and there are always plenty of sunbeds. The hotel also offers entertainment every night in the main bar – this was really popular with all the guests. We were travelling with friends and family to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday so decided to book the all-inclusive package. I am always dubious about all-inclusive but I have to say the food was amazing and the drinks were branded. Our rooms were lovely, bright and spacious and we had great views of the marina and Lobos island from our private balcony. Corralejo itself is a lovely place to visit with lots of bars and restaurants. I thoroughly recommend the music square in the evening. We enjoyed a fabulous al fresco dinner watching various singers, bands and dance acts. Eating out is very reasonable too! There is lots to do to at the hotel and in the surrounding area. We booked a private catamaran trip for an afternoon and sailed over to Lobos Island where we swam, paddle boarded and snorkelled. If you would like to know more please do get in touch. I have visited Fuerteventura about 6 times now - it’s the perfect place for some winter sun as well as summer holidays. To get in touch with Jennie, send her an email or give her a ring .

Explore the Frozen Continent with HX Hurtigruten Expedition cruises, our inspiration for the month of October. Exploring Antarctica is surely a journey of a lifetime, the ultimate destination on any intrepid traveller’s bucket list. It is a dream for many and an experience for few. Antarctica is the only continent with no permanent human inhabitants and a huge array of wildlife. HX Hurtigruten Expedition cruises have been operating since 1986, taking travellers to the remote and awe-inspiring destination of Antarctica. During an HX Hurtigruten Expedition you will experience genuine adventure: crossing the Drake Passage with expert guides, exploring the frozen continent with specialist experts, enriching your knowledge and developing your understanding of one of the most remote corners of the world. This cruise will change the way you see the world. Highlights of an exploration to Antarctica There are many highlights of an exploration to Antarctica. Antarctica Sound offers huge ice shelves, developing into mile long icebergs carried by the strong currents of the Weddell Sea. The South Shetland group of islands is home to 16 research stations studying the seabirds, penguins, whales and seals that thrive in the surrounding waters. The Falkland Islands consist of 778 islands filled with grassy hills, white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Local residents here include seals, albatross and four species of penguin. Lastly, Gerlach Strait is one of the most beautiful water ways in Antarctica. Here you can spot humpback whales as you cruise past jagged icebergs, glacial spouts and walls of glassy ice. There is a chance to further explore the area with camp outs on the shore in Antarctica, kayaking, snowshoeing across the tundra and exploring ice floes in small expedition boats, landing in remote areas to explore by foot. When to visit The best time to visit Antarctica is in the Antarctic spring, from late October through to the end of November. See incredible ice formations, pristine white snow horizons and colossal sheet soft ice. Wildlife will be starting to emerge too. Staying on board an HX ship A stay onboard an HX ship is unforgettable. Whether you are staying on MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen or MS Fram, you will have the best expedition experience. Each ship has been designed to offer the balance between intrepid adventure, luxurious comfort and mindful travel. Feed your curiosity too with an extensive Science and Education programme offered onboard. This is an immersive learning experience, enabling you to widen your knowledge and understanding of the landscapes and wildlife across Antarctica with the help of experts. Support real-life research and get involved in collected invaluable data that will contribute to the conservation and understanding of our planet. In-depth Antarctic, Falklands and South Georgia Expedition cruise There are many Antarctica cruises to choose from with HX, from 12 days to 23 days exploring different parts of the continent. This fabulous in-depth Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia Expedition cruise offers three distinct destinations all in one: the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica and includes 4 days on the white continent. Witness a variety of wildlife species including penguins, seals and whales and experience the varied landscapes of the green hills of the Falklands, the alpine landscapes of South Georgia and the icebergs of Antarctica. Day One Arrive in Santiago, Chile. Enjoy the sights of Chile’s bustling capital. Day Two Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost port where your expedition ship is waiting Day Three Soak up the mesmerising views as you cruise through the Strait of Magellan on course for the Falkland Islands. Witness the landscapes from the deck, the outdoor hot tub or the Explorer Lounge and Bar. There is also an opportunity to meet your Expedition Team and learn more about what you will be seeing on your journey Days Four to Six Explore the Falkland archipelago, filled with seamless horizon and white sand teeming with birdlife. The grassy hills and wildflowers will be stark contrast to the whiteness of Antarctica to come. Walk around Stanley, visiting Jubilee gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum. Depending on conditions and without disturbance, you may have the chance to visit albatross and penguin colonies, often shared with seals. Days Seven and Eight Spend two days cruising towards South Georgia and an archipelago filled with diverse wildlife. The Expedition Team will prepare you for the journey ahead and tell you everything you need to know about South Georgia. Help collect data for global research projects and learn how to make your visit as low impact as possible. Days Nine to Twelve The wildlife of South Georgia is known as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. It is the ideal breeding site for large colonies of penguins and seals as well as other important seabirds such as albatross, petrels, shags, skuas and terns. Explore this remarkable area with the possibility of reaching Grytviken, the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Each itinerary is flexible and guided by nature and local conditions. Safety is paramount as is sensitivity to the environment and wildlife. Days Thirteen and Fourteen Having explored the Falklands and South Georgia, head towards Antarctica. Take some time to relax on the way and learn more about environmental guidelines and sustainability from your Expedition Team. Days Fifteen to Nineteen Antarctica is striking: nothing prepares you for the immense, majestic, frozen sight that awaits you. Icebergs float whilst Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins watch from the shores. Seabirds whirl overhead. Spend four days exploring several landing sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Visit flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays. Perhaps get the chance to go kayaking amongst icebergs and seals. Learn more about the habitat through onboard lectures and talks and how it can be protected in the future. Days Twenty to Twenty Two Leaving the frozen continent. Turn north towards the Drake Passage and back towards Punta Arenas. Relax onboard and relive your experiences in the comfort of the ship. Watch out for Patagonian Wildlife as you sail towards your final stop. Day Twenty Three Arrive in Punta Arenas. Catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile and onwards home or perhaps, if you are not ready to end your adventure, join a post trip land adventure. For more information, pop in and see us or give us a ring . Itinerary originally featured on the HX website .

Sky skimming peaks, long windy trails through ancient forests and across dramatic swing bridges, evenings spent playing cards and chatting with fellow trekkers over steaming cups of ginger tea or garlic soup…. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is the quintessential bucket list trip. During this trip you will of course get to trek in the midst of three of the world’s tallest peaks: Lhotse, Nuptse and Everest itself. Listen to the monks chanting in Dingboche monastery, see colourful prayer flags flapping in the wind, wander the cobbled streets of Namche Bazaar and explore the bustling home of the Sherpa community. You will cross the Khumbu glacier to see Everest Base Camp and hike to the summit (5645m) for fantastic views of Everest and the surrounding 8000m+ peaks. You will experience a warm Nepali welcome and hearty food in the teahouses; cosy mountain huts run by locals. Accommodation for the majority of the trip is in teahouses. Nepal’s teahouses are omnipresent in these mountain regions. They are local homes converted into basic guest accommodation. Whilst the rooms are sparse and the facilities basic, the welcome is warm and the central areas are cosy and a great spot to share stories with fellow trekkers. Following the foothills and spending more time immersed in the whole of the Himalaya gives a more holistic experience – the envy of any avid trekker. Travelling with our expert colleagues at Explore means this iconic 22 day trip stands out from the crowd. Explore have swapped the typical internal flight in favour of a scenic 4x4 journey. The route takes you up and close and personal with rural Nepali foothills that few foreigners have the chance to see. This means the adventure starts early. The trip enables you to see more of the country, reduce the carbon footprint of your journey, decrease your chances of altitude sickness, and spend more time in the Himalaya. Why drive through Nepal rather than fly? In the UK, the Department of Transport compiles and regularly reviews a document called the UK Air Safety List (ASL) – this is based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This list comprises several international and domestic airlines around the world that do not meet international safety standards. All Nepali airlines have been placed on the UK Air Safety List since 2013. Safety is of the upmost importance which is why Explore had chosen not to use any internal flights within Nepal. Recently, improvements to Nepal’s road network mean they have finally got a suitable, safer alternative for getting to the Everest region. Hop into 4x4s for a winding drive through lowland Nepal passing farms, forests and green valleys on route and additional trekking days to aid acclimatisation. For more information on this adventure of a lifetime, pop in and see us or get in touch . To see the full details of the trip, click here and get in touch with us for details on how to book.

We are great fans of Italy and love arranging a large number of Italian holidays each year. Italy is home to inspiring architecture, some of the world’s greatest works of art and gastronomy like no other. This fabulous eighteen night trip to Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast encompasses some of the best Italy has to offer. Day One Fly to Florence Hotel Number Nine where you will stay for 3 nights Hotel Number Nine is a family owned boutique hotels in the heart of Florence, a stone's throw from Duomo and Medici Chapels. The hotel has been transformed into an elegant and eclectic Florentine home with materials sourced from around the world and art adorning every space. Hotel Number Nine is perfect if you are seeking an authentic and stylish experience in the historic centre of Florence. Day Four Pick up your hire car to drive to the Tuscan hills and the serene COMO Castello Del Nero where you will stay for 2 nights. COMO Castello del Nero is encased by vineyards and rolling Tuscan hills. Step into a world where Renaissance frescoes are matched with cool, earthy minimalism and where the beauty of the inside is rivalled only by the 740 acres of surrounding Chianti countryside. The hotel is set within a unique twelfth-century castle with comfortable rooms and stunning suites offering sumptuous furnishings and natural stone. All rooms and suites deliver views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside, courtyard or surrounding estate. For a special stay, choose the San Luigi villa with private check-in, infinity pool, panoramic views, wellbeing annexe and five bedrooms that sleep up to 14 guests – ideal for those special family holidays. Dine in style at the Michelin starred La Torre showcasing gourmet Italian cuisine or enjoy alfresco dining during the summer months at the Pavilion. Mixologists add a modern twist to cocktails in the Taverna bar and the estate’s extensive wine cellar is ideal for wine tasting experiences and private dining. The COMO Shambala Retreat offers the ultimate in expert treatments and pampering. Enjoy a bespoke massage, a revitalising soak in the thermal suite or choose from a range of expert treatments. During the summer, swim in the outdoor heated pool, join a complimentary morning yoga class, explore the estate by e-bike or practise your serve at the hotel’s tennis courts. A number of memorable experiences are also available: truffle hunting, hot-air ballooning, private cooking classes, gelato making and tours of the countryside in a Fiat 500 or astride a classic Vespa are all on offer. Day Six Continue your journey by car into the heart of Tuscany and the lovely La Roqqa where you will stay for 4 nights. La Roqqa overlooks the quaint village and bobbing fishing boats of Porto Ercole. La Roqqa is a beautifully designed boutique hotel and beach club that’s brought Italian glamour back to Tuscany’s Monte Argentario peninsula. Contemporary minimalism meets iconic designs from the 1960s and 70s to create La Roqqa’s distinct look. The 49 rooms and 6 suites all have balconies or terraces and follow one of three colour schemes, one for each floor: earthy terracotta to match Porto Ercole’s buildings, green to match the peninsula’s lush vegetation or blue to match the sea. The rooftop restaurant offers 360-degree views and a contemporary take on traditional Tuscan cuisine. More fresh-as-it-gets seafood and chilled Tuscan wine is available at the beach club which is a short walk or quick shuttle ride away. Here you can reserve complimentary sun loungers and parasols every day. If you are feeling energetic, staff will recommend walks in the wildflower adorned hills or arrange boat trips, winery tours or bicycles to borrow. Maremma National Park is nearby, while Siena is just a 90-minute scenic drive away. Day Ten Drive to Rome this morning and drop your hire car at Rome Termini Station. Check in to Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel for 3 nights Here you will discover the ancient and modern beauty of the ‘eternal city’ So-called for its proximity to the Fountain of the Naiads, the 5-star Anantara Naiadi Rome Hotel combines neoclassical architecture and stately grandeur with the contemporary luxuries and glamour of a full-size rooftop pool, award-winning spa and trendy rooftop restaurant. The history of the building spans the 18th and 19th centuries, occupying a solid spot in the history of Rome and an enviable point on the he city’s map. The great location of the hotel offers easy access to the Fori Imperiali, Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and other iconic sights. After long days exploring the city, the spacious elegant rooms and suites with their distinctive décor and marble bathrooms provide a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The hotel’s relaxing leisure facilities include a rooftop pool, a 24-hour gym and the Anantara Spa which offers an indulgent array of signature treatments as well as steam baths and a jacuzzi. Unsurprisingly, dining is excellent: the ‘SEEN by Olivier’ Restaurant serves up a wonderland of flavours and the INEO Restaurant showcases an impressive blend of traditional and modern Italian cookery. Cap off a wonderful day exploring the city at the ‘SEEN by Olivier’ rooftop bar with its 360° views of the Piazza della Repubblica and the city beyond. Day Thirteen After breakfast, take the train from Rome Termini Station to Naples Centrale where you will be met and transferred to Amalfi and the beautiful Hotel Miramalfi for 5 nights where you will stay for 5 nights. Founded in 1956 by Francesco Mansi, Hotel Miramalfi embodies his enduring love for his homeland and lifelong ambition of creating a sanctuary on the Amalfi cliffs. Today, under the careful management of his grandson, the hotel continues to shine as a beacon of Italian hospitality and family tradition with stunning vistas of the coastline and the charming town of Amalfi itself. Miramalfi is just minutes from the lively town of Amalfi and its bustling port serves as an ideal base for exploring the region. From Amalfi, you can easily catch ferries to glamorous hotspots such as Positano, Capri, and Sorrento and the hotel offers the convenience of a complimentary shuttle service to the town of Amalfi too. Recent renovations have rejuvenated the hotel's 40 guest rooms, blending contemporary luxuries with historic charm . Stay in the Junior Suite Deluxe, featuring an expansive terrace and sumptuous freestanding bath: especially recommended as a way to indulge in all things serene. The hotel's dining options include the reopened Azur Lounge Bar, perfect for a laidback lunch or a pre-dinner drink. For a more sophisticated dining experience, Donna Emma La Cucina offers Michelin star cuisine and spectacular views from its outdoor terrace: savour both the cuisine and the ever-changing colours of the Tyrrhenian Sea in one go. While Miramalfi may not feature traditional sandy shores, the hotel offers a small yet inviting pool and a charming 'beach club.' This exclusive shoreline area provides a sundrenched deck with access to the sea, ideal if you are looking to bask in the sun or swim in the clear waters. Day Eighteen Your trip has come to an end. You will be transferred back to Naples International Airport for your flight home This itinerary was created with the help of our specialist partner, Lusso. For further information, do pop in and see us or get in touch .